Best Crime fiction Books December 2024

The Sisters Brothers

Eli and Charlie Sisters, notorious assassins in the Wild West, embark on a perilous journey to California during the Gold Rush. As they track their latest target, Eli grapples with his conscience and dreams of a simpler life. DeWitt’s darkly comic tale blends violence with unexpected tenderness, painting a vivid portrait of brotherly bonds and the harsh realities of frontier life. With each misadventure, the Sisters brothers’ quest becomes a poignant exploration of morality and redemption in a lawless land.

Fight Club

I found myself drawn into a world of underground boxing and anarchic rebellion, all narrated by an insomniac everyman. Palahniuk’s raw, visceral prose punches you in the gut, leaving you breathless and questioning reality. The enigmatic Tyler Durden leaps off the page, a charismatic force of chaos. This book isn’t just a story; it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page, making you look at society through new, bruised eyes.

The Fifth Witness

Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, finds himself defending Lisa Trammel, a homeowner fighting foreclosure, accused of murdering her banker. As the trial unfolds, Haller uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches far beyond the courtroom. With his razor-sharp wit and unorthodox tactics, Haller must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth. But as the stakes rise, he begins to question whether his client is truly innocent. Connelly’s gripping legal thriller keeps you guessing until the very end.

The Lincoln Lawyer

Mickey Haller, a cynical defense attorney, operates his practice from the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car. When he lands a high-profile case defending a wealthy playboy accused of murder, Haller senses something’s off. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies that threatens not just his client, but his own life. Connelly’s razor-sharp prose and intricate plot twists keep readers on edge, while Haller’s wit and moral ambiguity make him an unforgettable protagonist in this gripping legal thriller.

The Promise

In “The Promise,” Teresa Driscoll weaves a gripping tale of long-buried secrets and childhood bonds. Beth and Sally, inseparable as girls, made a pact that would change their lives forever. Decades later, Beth’s daughter unearths a chilling discovery, forcing Beth to confront her past. As the truth unravels, loyalties are tested and relationships strained. Driscoll’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on edge, exploring the power of promises and the weight of guilt. A haunting, emotionally charged thriller that will leave you questioning how well you really know those closest to you.

The Friend

Sarah’s life is turned upside down when her best friend, Sophie, vanishes without a trace. As days turn into weeks, Sarah’s worry deepens, and she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. Memories of their shared past resurface, revealing hidden tensions and secrets. Sarah’s search leads her down a twisted path, questioning everything she thought she knew about Sophie and their friendship. With each revelation, the line between loyalty and betrayal blurs, leaving Sarah to wonder: how well did she really know her best friend?

All the Beautiful Lies

Harry’s world shatters when his stepmother calls with news of his father’s suicide. Returning to his coastal Maine hometown, he’s drawn into a web of secrets and lies. Alice, his enigmatic stepmother, seems oddly calm, while a local girl’s disappearance raises suspicions. As Harry unravels the truth, he discovers his father’s hidden life and confronts his own conflicted feelings for Alice. Swanson’s taut prose and twisting plot keep readers guessing until the shocking finale.

Girl Last Seen

Laine Moreno’s past haunts her every waking moment. Kidnapped at ten, she miraculously escaped her captor years later. Now, at twenty-three, she’s struggling to piece together a normal life when another girl vanishes—one who bears an uncanny resemblance to Laine’s younger self. As she’s drawn into the investigation, old wounds reopen, and Laine finds herself teetering on the edge of sanity. With time running out, she must confront her deepest fears to save an innocent life and finally face the demons of her own shattered childhood.

The Dilemma

Sarah’s life seems perfect—a loving husband, two wonderful children, and a beautiful home. But on the eve of her 40th birthday, she receives an anonymous letter that shatters her world. Suddenly, she’s forced to confront a devastating secret from her past that threatens everything she holds dear. As Sarah grapples with impossible choices, she discovers that sometimes the truth is more complex than we imagine. A gripping tale of love, loyalty, and the power of forgiveness that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Bring Me Back

Finn and Layla: young, in love, and on vacation. Until Layla disappears, leaving only a trace behind. Years later, Finn has moved on, engaged to Layla’s sister. But the past resurfaces when mysterious signs appear, hinting at Layla’s return. As Finn unravels the truth, he questions everything he thought he knew. A gripping psychological thriller that explores the depths of love, loss, and the haunting power of secrets. Paris masterfully weaves a tale of suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end.